As of Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Cities without a state are in Missouri
March 15, 1946 – July 19, 2024
David William Gibson, 78, of Joplin, a cherished father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 19, 2024, after a recent decline in health at Carthage Health and Rehabilitation. He was born on March 15, 1946, in Sioux City, Iowa, to the late David Lawrence and Willa (Bishop) Gibson.
After graduating high school in 1964, he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Nebraska.
In 1974, David’s life was forever changed when he married the love of his life, Karen Ruth Anderson. Their union was blessed with two wonderful children, Kim and David.
David retired in 2009 from Empire Electric Company as the vice president of finance after 30 years of dedicated service.
He had a passion for working in his yard, and his neighbors knew him as a friendly face always ready for a chat. He enjoyed antique cars and was also an avid sports fan, cheering on the Cornhuskers and Kansas City Chiefs.
David was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Karen Gibson, on Nov. 12, 2022; and his brother, Larry Gibson. He is survived by his children, Kim Sommer and her husband, Joel, Melbourne, Fla., and David Gibson and his wife, Lisa, Warrenville, Ill.; his three grandchildren, Ellie, Julian, and Miles; his brother, Craig Gibson, of Iowa; and a host of other family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 26, 2024, at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home, with Chaplain Kathy Whited officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery.
July 26, 1963 – July 16, 2024
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Debra “Debbie” Lynn Longnecker, who departed this world on July 16, 2024. She was born on July 26, 1963, in Stella.
For over two decades, she served with dedication as a cook at Webb City Health and Rehabilitation, where she was honored with a 25-year employment pin. She loved to crochet, flea markets and KU basketball. Above all, what mattered most to her was taking care of her family and her cherished cats. She was always there to help any family in need, reflecting her innate compassionate nature.
Debbie was the beloved wife of Marion Longnecker, to whom she was married since March 6, 1993; the beloved mother of Rusty, Crysta and Brittany Longnecker; and the cherished daughter of Lyndell and Patricia Clark.
Her funeral service was held Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Simpson Funeral Home.
Nov. 19, 1930 – July 16, 2024
Mary Ethel Williams, born on Nov. 19, 1930, in Webb City, passed away on July 16, 2024, in Springfield.
Mary was a line worker at Elders Shirt Factory in Joplin before becoming director of the Webb City Senior Citizens Center. She retired in 1997.
After the birth of her cherished granddaughter, Chloe, Mary’s zest for life was palpable, and her hobbies reflected this. She had a deep love for the Gameshow Network, which played in her home all day long, and she thrilled at fulfilling her bucket list by going on a cruise with her daughter. Mary’s cooking was the stuff of legends, particularly her pie crust and other down-home cooking. She lived by her rules and was a spirited woman who, despite her love for doing life with her sister and daughter, staunchly refused ever to set foot on a plane.
Mary was a woman whose life revolved around her family. After losing her own mother at the age of eight, she spent her life raising her sister, offering her care and support. When her children came along, Mary’s focus shifted to giving them the best life she could within her means. She and her husband, Vernon, lived vicariously through their experiences, offering her unwavering support. Mary is survived by her children, Carol Russell, and Vernon Williams; her granddaughters, Carla (Dena) Lantz, Chloe Boone, Rylee (Isabella) Boone; a niece Connie (Mike) Baird; and special friend Brian Boone. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Williams; her father Leroy Williams; and a sister, Alice Roeber.
A funeral service for Mary was held Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Simpson Funeral Home, followed by a private graveside service at Carterville Cemetery.
Aug. 26, 1940 – July 16, 2024
Emelie Jane Wolfe, affectionately known by many as “Meme”, lived a life of compassionate dedication, generous love, and humble service. She was born on Aug. 26, 1940, in Springfield.
She spent her professional years at Midwest Materials. She saw the best in people, generously giving her time to those in need, and never meeting a stranger. Cheering on her favorite NASCAR drivers was one of her passions, however, what mattered most to Meme was her family and her friends.
Meme is survived by her sons, Kevin (BobbiJo) Wolfe and Shawn (Heather) Wolfe and many nieces, nephews and grandkids. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Mary Burke; ex-husband, LeRoy Wolfe; and sister, Teddie Berkley.
Meme’s funeral service was held Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Services were under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
The Webb City Sentinel isn’t a newspaper – but it used to be, serving Webb City, Missouri, in print from 1879-2020. This “newspaper” seeks to carry on that tradition as a nonprofit corporation.
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